Ward, a two-sport star at Florida State, followed that title run with 11 seasons in the NBA, the final one with the Rockets.

But these days, it's back to football for Ward, the head coach at Westbury Christian and the star power behind the camp, which began Thursday and runs through Saturday. Registration is $250.

Though Air It Out is in its 20th season and has produced Division I starting quarterbacks Colt McCoy, Jevan Sneed and Graham Harrell, there are high hopes for the current class. Wartes moved the event to Houston after 15 years in Abilene.

Christian Ponder (Florida State) and Damian Williams (USC) also provided instruction. McCoy, Harrell and and former Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel are expected to make appearances as well.

1993 Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward prepares to offer instructions to Cole DeBerry, 17, of Huffman during the first day of camp.

1993 Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward prepares to offer instructions to Cole DeBerry, 17, of Huffman during the first day of camp.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Chronicle

Photo: Brett Coomer, Chronicle

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1993 Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward prepares to offer instructions to Cole DeBerry, 17, of Huffman during the first day of camp.

1993 Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward prepares to offer instructions to Cole DeBerry, 17, of Huffman during the first day of camp.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Chronicle

Star power fuels Ward's Air It Out passing camp

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“It's good that they get a chance to interact with people they watch in the NFL or college,” Ward said.

When he wasn't instructing on Thursday, Avery ran routes and took reps with the kids.

“I'm a student. I'm not a coach or anything,” Avery said jokingly. “I'm trying to learn myself.”

Though the camp boasted a collection of college and NFL talent, the atmosphere was relaxed.

After stretching, players broke into groups and teamed with instructors. Spread across HBU's lush soccer fields are six stations, three for quarterbacks and wide receivers alike.

For the first few minutes, Ward simply watched the quarterbacks. Shortly thereafter, the onlooker became one of the instructors.

On the far end, Kolb led a group through passing drills. Minutes later, he darted to the other side of the field to lead another group through footwork drills. It's one of the last days he'll be able to help before heading to training camp with the Philadelphia Eagles in nine days.

While Kolb went through three-step drops, five-step drops and throwing mechanics, Avery, now a member of the St. Louis Rams, helped the receivers during footwork, catching and route-running drills.

Today, workouts begin at 8:30 a.m. Each camper will run through individual and team-oriented drills again. Team competition and special passing games will be held. During their free time, campers can either relax or play ping-pong, pool or basketball or go swimming.

“While they're here, these kids are going to learn more than football,” Ward said. “They're going to get the fundamentals of life. They'll get an opportunity to ask questions and learn some things most athletes don't get a chance to.”

With nearly 200 seventh- through 12th-graders on hand, there was no shortage of talented athletes in attendance. Ward stressed the next move will be to get them to take the next step mentally.

“A lot of them have talent,” Ward said. “We'll see how it goes, but we're here to hone their skills.

“We're not only trying to teach them to be good football players, but to be good (people) off the field. Those principles will help them in life. You may not get that in another camp.”